The Selke Trophy is one of the most unique awards in the NHL. While other awards are often based on clear stats like goals, points, or save percentage, the Selke is given to the best defensive forward—a title that’s not always easy to measure. That’s why both offensive superstars and lesser-known hardworking players often get votes for this award.
Let’s break down the top contenders for the 2025 Selke Trophy, grouped into different tiers based on their chances.
Tier 1: The New Bergeron?
Aleksander Barkov – Florida Panthers
Barkov has already proven he’s one of the best two-way forwards in the game. Even though he missed a few games this season, he’s still the favorite to win. Barkov’s calm, smart defensive play is a big reason why Florida continues to be one of the top teams in the league. Many believe it’s not a question of if he’ll win another Selke—just how many.
Tier 2: Likely Top-Five Finalists
Sam Reinhart – Florida Panthers
Reinhart has quietly been the league’s best defensive forward this season. He not only stops opponents from creating chances but also leads in shorthanded goals. His all-around game might surprise some fans, but he deserves to be right at the top of the list.
Nico Hischier – New Jersey Devils
Despite the Devils facing many injuries this season, Hischier has been a steady presence. His strong defensive play has helped keep the team in the playoff race. Hischier always makes smart plays on both ends of the ice.
Anthony Cirelli – Tampa Bay Lightning
Cirelli has been in the Selke conversation before but was often overlooked due to low offensive stats. Now that he’s putting up career-high numbers, this could be the year he finally gets a nomination.
Mitch Marner – Toronto Maple Leafs
Marner stands out for his quick hands and smart positioning. He ranks among the top players in takeaways, and what makes that impressive is that most others in the top 10 are defensemen. He’s a key part of Toronto’s penalty kill and deserves serious Selke attention.
Tier 3: Stars With Defensive Impact
Auston Matthews – Toronto Maple Leafs
Though not as defensively strong this year as in past seasons, Matthews is still a force to play against. His size, skill, and awareness make him a valuable two-way player.
Matthew Tkachuk – Florida Panthers
Tkachuk’s possession numbers are among the best in the league. Florida usually controls the puck when he’s on the ice, and that’s a huge part of playing good defence.
Leon Draisaitl – Edmonton Oilers
Draisaitl has improved a lot defensively. Once considered a weak link in his own zone, he’s now showing signs of becoming a complete player. His coach has praised his progress, and voters are starting to notice too.
Tier 4: Underrated But Deserving
Brandon Hagel – Tampa Bay Lightning
Hagel, alongside Cirelli, has become a top penalty killer and a solid 5-on-5 player. If he were a center, he might be a more serious contender for the Selke.
Joel Eriksson Ek – Minnesota Wild
A familiar name in Selke voting, Eriksson Ek continues to perform well. Even though his team had injury problems, he’s stayed consistent and should be in the top 10 again.
Seth Jarvis – Carolina Hurricanes
Jarvis may be small in size, but his energy and intelligence stand out. He’s quickly becoming a fan favorite and someone who will likely be a Selke finalist in the coming years.
Tier 5: Veteran Favorites
Jordan Staal – Carolina Hurricanes
Staal has had a great career and even got a Selke nomination last year. Although he’s slowed down a bit this season, voters might still reward him with a few votes for his leadership and experience.
Anze Kopitar – Los Angeles Kings
Kopitar is a legend when it comes to defensive forwards. He might not win this year, but with his strong reputation and the Kings doing well, he could still appear on some ballots.
The Selke Trophy is always one of the hardest awards to predict because defensive skills are not always easy to see in stats. This season, there are plenty of worthy candidates—from veterans like Barkov and Kopitar to rising stars like Jarvis and Reinhart. Whether the voters go with big names or reward under-the-radar performances, the 2025 Selke race is shaping up to be an exciting one. With so many styles of defensive play, it’s clear there’s more than one way to be elite without the puck.
